In 'Good Habits, Bad Habits', Wendy Wood explores the science behind why we do what we do. Delving into psychological research and intriguing real-life examples, she reveals how habits shape our lives far more than we realize. Wood argues that understanding the mechanics of habits can empower us to break free from the detrimental ones and foster positive changes. With practical insights and strategies, this book invites readers to rethink their routines and cultivate behaviors that lead to a richer life. Will you challenge your old habits and discover a path to transformation?
By Wendy Wood
Published: 2019
"Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives; by understanding them, we can reshape our paths and forge a more intentional existence."
A landmark book about how we form habits, and what we can do with this knowledge to make positive change We spend a shocking 43 percent of our day doing things without thinking about them. That means that almost half of our actions aren’t conscious choices but the result of our non-conscious mind nudging our body to act along learned behaviors. How we respond to the people around us; the way we conduct ourselves in a meeting; what we buy; when and how we exercise, eat, and drink—a truly remarkable number of things we do every day, regardless of their complexity, operate outside of our awareness. We do them automatically. We do them by habit. And yet, whenever we want to change something about ourselves, we rely on willpower. We keep turning to our conscious selves, hoping that our determination and intention will be enough to effect positive change. And that is why almost all of us fail. But what if you could harness the extraordinary power of your unconscious mind, which already determines so much of what you do, to truly reach your goals? Wendy Wood draws on three decades of original research to explain the fascinating science of how we form habits, and offers the key to unlocking our habitual mind in order to make the changes we seek. A potent mix of neuroscience, case studies, and experiments conducted in her lab, Good Habits, Bad Habits is a comprehensive, accessible, and above all deeply practical book that will change the way you think about almost every aspect of your life. By explaining how our brains are wired to respond to rewards, receive cues from our surroundings, and shut down when faced with too much friction, Wood skillfully dissects habit formation, demonstrating how we can take advantage of this knowledge to form better habits. Her clear and incisive work shows why willpower alone is woefully inadequate when we’re working toward building the life we truly want, and offers real hope for those who want to make positive change.
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“Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives; by understanding them, we can reshape our paths and forge a more intentional existence.”
Good Habits, Bad Habits
By Wendy Wood
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Wendy Wood is a distinguished author and psychologist renowned for her insightful exploration of habit formation and behavior change. A professor of psychology and business at the University of Southern California, she blends rigorous academic research with an engaging writing style to make complex psychological concepts accessible to a broad audience. Her notable works include 'Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Changes That Stick,' where she delves into the science behind habits and their impact on our lives, and 'The Science of Smart: How to Outsmart Your Own Brain.' Wood’s writing is characterized by clarity, practicality, and an emphasis on applying psychological principles to everyday life.
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